How do I uninstall antivirus or antispyware programs?

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If you use more than one antivirus or antispyware program at the same time, your PC may experience decreased performance, become unstable, or restart unexpectedly. Before you install Microsoft Security Essentials, or if you want to resolve issues with Microsoft Security Essentials, including installation issues, you must first completely remove any Internet security programs from your PC.

Caution:

When you remove your currently installed Internet security programs, your PC is in an unprotected state. If you have problems installing Microsoft Security Essentials after you remove your existing Internet security programs, contact Microsoft Security Essentials Support by
submitting a case online.

Tip:

You’ll need to restart your PC while following these instructions. Write them down, print them, or bookmark this page (mark it as a Favorite) to make it easier to find this topic again.

In the list of installed programs, uninstall any other Internet security programs.

Restart your PC.

Note:

Some Internet security apps don’t uninstall completely. You may need to download and run a cleanup utility for your previous security app for it to be completely removed.

If you use another antispyware program together with Microsoft Security Essentials, we recommend that you turn off real-time scanning in the other program. For more information, see the documentation supplied by that antispyware program.

Important:

If your antivirus program is disabled, or if you don't have one installed, you should follow these guidelines:

Step 2: Completely uninstall Windows Live OneCare

Microsoft Windows Live OneCare doesn't always uninstall completely. If you have recently uninstalled it, you should download the Windows Live OneCare Utility cleanup tool by clicking
http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=167350.

In Windows Internet Explorer, in the File Download – Security Warning dialog box, click Save. Browse to the location where you want to save the file, and then click Save.

Go to the location where you saved the file.

In Windows XP, double-click the file.
-or-
In Windows Vista, right-click the file, and then click Run as administrator.

Click Run, and then click Continue.

Read the licensing agreement. If you agree, select I accept the terms of the End User Licensing Agreement, and then click Continue.